Wire-fence staple



Nov. 19, 1929. H. LAKE 1,736,707

WIRE FENCE STAPLE Filed April 15, 1929 5mm wane/asses ,HYOZZ 3% 6 M Patented Nov. 19, 1929 PATENT OFFIQE HAROLD LAKE, OF OSHKOSH, NEBRASKA WIRE-FENCE STAPLE Application filed April 15,

The invention aims to provide an exceptionally simple and inexpensive, yet an efli cient and desirable staple for wire fences, 01 such construction as to permit the fence wires to be disengaged from the staples for stretching, when it is necessary to lay some of said wires upon the ground in moving implements from one field to another, or for any other purpose, the device being such that the wires may be again easily engaged with the staples and tenaciously held by the latter, against accidental release.

With the foregoing in view, the invention resides in the novel subject matter hereinafter lescribed and claimed, description being accomplished by reference to the accompanying drawing.

F 1 and 2 are side elevations partly in section showing the staple in normal and released positions, respectively.

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view on line 38 of Fig. 1.

In constructing the device, I make use ot a short length of metal rod of any desired diameter and crossseetional shape. The major portion 5 of this rod constitutes a horizontally disposed shank, at Whose outer end the rod is bent vertically downward as at 6. At the lower end of this portion 6, the wire is bent inwardly and upwardly providing an arm 7 which inclines toward the other end of the shank 5 and terminates in'spaced relation with the lower side of said shank. The upper end of this arm is provided with a kert 8 which receives the intermediate portion of a vertically elongated flat metal bar 9. A transverse pivot 10 passes through the upper end arm 7 and through the bar 9 and loose ly pivots the latter to the former. The portion of bar 9 above the pivot 10 inclines outwardly as at 11 and abuts the lower side of the shank 5 as seen in Fig. 1, and the lower end of said bar projects downwardly a sufficicnt distance below the pivot 10 to allow gravity to normally hold said bar in vertical position.

Pushing of a fence wire against the outer side of the bar end 11 will cause the latter to swing as shown in Fig. 2, thereby admitting the wire into the space between the rod 1929. Serial No. 355,237.

portions 67 and as soon as the wire clears said bar end 11, the latter will restore to its normal position as in Fig. 1, so that the wire is effectively held engaged with the staple. lVhenever the wire is to be disengaged from the staple, the lower end of the bar 9 may be engaged with the finger and said bar swung to a released position so as to permit outward movement of the wire.

The end of the shank 5 remote from the portion 6, is here shown as provided with a driving point 12 to be driven into a wooden post. However, it will be understood that this end of the shank may be of any desired construction for anchorage in a cement post, for passage through and anchorage in an opening of a metal post, etc.

As excellent results are obtainable from the details disclosed, they are preferably followed. However, within the scope of the invention as claimed, variations may be made.

I claim 1. A staple comprising a short metal rod whose major portion constitutes a horizontal shank, said rod being bent downwardly at the outer end of said shank and then bent inwardly and upwardly, providing an inwardly inclined arm which terminates in downwardly spaced relation with said shank, a short vertically disposed bar at the upper end of said arm, and a transverse pivot connecting said bar loosely with said arm, said bar inclining above said pivot toward said outer end of the shank and abutting the lower side of the latter, the lower end of said bar extending a sufficient distance below said pivot to allow gravity to hold the bar in vertical position.

2. A structure as specified in claim 1; said upper end of said arm being provided with a kert in which said bar is pivoted.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

HAROLD LAKE. 

